Why can't they make the steel bodied cars the way they did in the 60's/early 70's and also why can't they make cars as big as they did in the 60's/early 70's, the only thing they can do with those cars is build them with better gas mileage and better brakes and have as much power and torque as the pre-1972 cars.
2006-09-07 10:28:09 · 7 answers · asked by Fell In Love 7 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
Because the federal government got in the act and mandated less pollutants in the air and better fuel mileage. As a result, manufacturers looked for ways to take weight off, steel gave way to fiberglass, plastic and aluminum. Now all cars look alike because of aerodynamics. Engine size dropped. Blame the environmentalists if it will make you feel better. lol.
2006-09-07 10:33:43 · answer #1 · answered by oklatom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
After reading the current responses, youd be suprised to know that the older cars from the 60's and early 70's for their weight and "big" (i put big that way for a reason, will explain in a minute) horsepower and torque numbers got suprisingly well gas-mileage, any where from 13-20 mpg. I know for the 4 and 6 cylinder guys and gals that sounds horrible but ask any big car or suv owner and they'll tell you they dont get much more or even get worst mileage than that. Now for the explanation of "big." Those cars horsepower and torque numbers were the gross numbers, just like on a paycheck stub we have gross and net. The big numbers were numbers that were measured at the fly wheel. Today we get net numbers the actual horsepower and torque that is delivered at the drive wheels. Now I do know and Im sure your all thinking well they de-tuned the cars with the anti-pollution junk and I do agree on that, they did lose hp on cars but not like everyone thinks where they lost up to 150hp
2006-09-07 19:24:44 · answer #2 · answered by MR Sinister 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Metal is heavier and more expensive. Plastic is cheap and lighter weight, easier to work with, so that's a major aspect.
Overall I would say fuel economy and "safety" have affected car mfr more, favoring smaller, lighter engines, airbags and so forth.
Styles and tastes have changed too, but personally I miss those wide bench seats in front over the cramped bucket seats! How can your date curl up next to you when you're driving! It's so wrong!!
2006-09-07 17:35:10 · answer #3 · answered by the darkman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No one would buy them - they would cost too much to make and consumers wouldn't like them very much. If you want a pre-72 car, they are still around, some of them in very good condition like new or restored and for sale for less than the cost of a new car.
2006-09-07 17:30:22 · answer #4 · answered by waplambadoobatawhopbamboo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they may be able to build them with a little better gas milage but the weight of the steel would suck up more gas regardless. the future is looking to lighter and faster with less fuel needed
2006-09-07 17:32:19 · answer #5 · answered by dsizzerhandz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I couldn't say it any better than the two above me have done. Also consider that a sturdier car doesn't have to be replaced as often which equates to fewer car sales ($$$) per year.
2006-09-07 17:37:04 · answer #6 · answered by TweetyBird 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know what you mean. I'm trying to put a turbo into an original model T Ford! Bring back THE BEASTS! YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH
2006-09-07 17:47:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋